Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer For this week’s column, I wanted to share my thanks to all of you for taking the time to read, share your insights, and spread the word about services to support all of us as we age. So many of you comment on how the information...
Question: For many years, I have been visiting my 82-year-old mother every week. We have always enjoyed good conversations about our lives, books we read, hobbies we shared and current events. I have enjoyed her energy, stories, and wisdom. Lately, it feels like she...
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. About six months ago, I was walking to my car and fell in my driveway. The fall broke my hip, and I had surgery a few days later. My doctor suggested physical therapy and prescribed pain medication. It’s been an awful...
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. Last winter, my beautiful wife of 54 years passed away suddenly. I miss so many things about her and am trying hard to adjust to my new life. My wife was an amazing cook, so I never wanted for a meal. Now, I’m struggling...
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. This summer, I enjoyed watching the Olympics and seeing so many athletes do remarkable things. Whether it was gymnastics, swimming, archery, or anything in between, I was inspired seeing people “go for the gold.” I know my...
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. Earlier this year, my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She has her good days and her bad days and recently agreed to join my family in our home. I treasure my time with my mother. At the same time, I find...
Q. I am 76 years old and the primary caretaker of my wife, who has Alzheimer’s. While I love my wife and want to help her, there are days when I am exhausted and struggling, especially when I’ve been up all night with her. Our doctor suggested trying an adult day...
Q: I’ve been looking to make some lifestyle changes this New Year, and I’m curious about Dry January. I’ve heard my friends mention it, but I don’t know a lot about it. Can one month really make a difference? What are your thoughts? A: I’ve heard of a lot of...
Question: I am trying to gather information for my next-door neighbors who are in their 80s. Over the past year, they seem to be struggling to take care of their home and get out to do their grocery shopping and run errands. I help when I can, but they need much more...
By Stephen Anable, Communications Specialist Bernadette Cary, 87, is relaxing on her bed in her room at the Sutton Home for Women in Peabody, cuddling a new stuffed dog. It looks like a typical plush toy: blond, roughly a foot high, with an expression that suggests...